When one thinks of reds from Northern Italy, the obvious districts are Tuscany, Piedmont and Veneto. Chianti remains the major wine of Tuscany, though “super-Tuscan” blends using Cabernet, Syrah and Merlot grapes are extremely popular. Of course, the main grape here will forever be the Sangiovese, and, for Brunello, the Sangiovese Grosso. In Piedmont, the red grape required in Barolo and Bararesco is Nebbiolo, though Barbera gets a lot of play. The Veneto gives us Valpolicella and Amarone from mostly the Corvina grape which is blended with Molinara and Rondinella. Finishing up our event will be the Muscat dessert wine from Chiarlo of Piedmont, whose Barbera will begin our line-up.

2006 MICHELE CHIARLO BARBERA D’ASTI, PIEMONTEList price 15.00; our price 12.95Although the Barbera vine is believed to have originated in the Monferrato area from a spontaneous cross of seeds from ancient vines, it is generally agreed that the area producing the best Barbera wines is that of Asti. It accounts for 52 percent of the region’s acreage under vine, and nearly half the total annual production of red wine. Pure, ripe plum and strawberry fruit flavors underscored by a crisp acidic note and a hint of earth mark this charming, succulent wine, set in a supple texture supported by sweet, soft tannins.

2006 MASI CAMPOFIORIN ROSSO DEL VERONESEList price 16.00; our price 13.99The Boscaini family has owned and operated the Masi Company for six generations. This Ripasso style wine is a form of Valpolicella Superiore that is fermented, and, at the end of November mixed with the addition of 30% of lightly dried Corvina grapes (previously crushed for Amarone). This provokes an immediate second fermentation which lasts 15 days. The malolactic takes place as well. This process enriches the wine in alcohol, in color and in tannins, as well as giving it new and more complex aromas and flavors. The excellent structure shows quickly on the contrasting berry fruits and vanilla nose. Rich, baked fruit flavors on the palate are supported by good acidity and balanced with soft, well integrated tannins. It has a long, velvety finish with hints of cocoa. The blend is 80% Corvina and 20% Rondinella.

2007 VILLA NOZZOLE CHIANTI CLASSICO, TOSCANOList price 21.00; our price 18.95Ambrogio Folonari and his son Giovanni purchased the Nozzole estate in 1971. Situated north of the village of Greve in Chianti, the Nozzole estate now grows Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay as well as their highly esteemed Sangiovese. Besides the two wonderful Chiantis, Giovanni produces excellent super Tuscans and a fine Chardonnay. This blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot along with 18 months of barrel aging combine to make Villa Nozzole a ripe “New World” fruit forward style of Chianti Classico. It has a bouquet of ripened fruits, chocolate and vanilla notes. Showing similar flavors it is full bodied with soft tannins and a persistent finish. It complements meat, poultry and cheeses.

2006 MASI AMARONE CLASSICO COSTASERA, ROSSO DEL VERONESEList price 57.95; our price 49.99The blend is 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara. There is a strong bouquet of baked fruit, plums and cherries, which provide the fruit flavors on the palate, accompanied by attractive hints of coffee and cocoa. An intriguing softness is the result of the excellent balance between supporting acidity and soft tannins. Imposing structure and good alcoholic level gives this Amarone an attractively long finish. Wine Spectator gives this wine a 91-point rating.

2009 MICHELE CHIARLO NIVOLE MOSCATO, PIEMONTEList price 14.00; our price 11.99​The Moscato Bianco grape is an extremely ancient one, the origins of which are not precisely known. Wines from this grape were first developed as still wines in the 17th century under the patronage of the House of Savoy, when refined methods of cultivating and vinifying this difficult variety were discovered. The cool, steep Langhe hillsides of Asti and Cuneo, near the town of Canelli, remain the principal center of production for Moscato d’Asti (hence, the alternate name, Moscato di Canelli). Exuberant aromas of tropical fruit and honeysuckle blossoms mark this fresh, lightly sparkling wine and carry into a palate of ripe melon and mango flavors finishing on a delicate sweet note underscored by bright acidity.